Providing safe houses for drug users

Description

Providing safe houses for drug users involves establishing secure, supervised environments where individuals can use drugs with access to medical support, clean equipment, and harm reduction services. This strategy aims to reduce overdose deaths, prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and connect users with health and social services. By offering a non-judgmental space, safe houses address immediate health risks and serve as entry points for further treatment and rehabilitation, mitigating the harms associated with unsafe drug use.

Implementation

In the Netherlands, people can go to safe houses to take drugs, get advice on drugs, buy drugs or have drugs analysed, with the police agreeing not to interfere.